Actuating mechanism for wheel suspensions and the like



u Oct. 5, 1937. J. J. CHAPMAN CTUATING MECHANISM FOR WHEEL SUSPENSIONS AND THE LIKE 2 sheets-shawl Filed June 6, 1934 i@ ll emu Oct.5, 1937. J.J.HAPMAN 2,094,582

ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR WHEEL SUSPENSIONS AND THE LIKE Filed June e, 1954 r2 sheets-sheet 2 y y 22A 2 20. laag@ 5 /l I A Y l E 1| v Patented" ct. 5,k 1937y ,UNITED STATESl PATENT OFFICE ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR SUSPENSIONS AND THE LIKE James Judson Chapman, Elizabeth, La. 'Application June 6, 1934, Serial No. 729,311

` 26 claims. (o1, 267-20) An object of my invention is the production of a pivotally mounted vehicle wheel suspension that will allow a'wheel mounted thereon to act independently of its companion wheel in its road, or spring, action, y and while allowing freedom yof movement substantially perpendicular tothe base ofthe vehicle, maintainsthe line 'of travel `of the said wheel, while so acting, yin a straight line substantially perpendicular to the base of the ve hiclejand parallel to that of its companion wheel, thus maintaining the lines of travel of the said wheels at a substantially iixed distance, one from theV other, thereby greatly reducing the usual gyroscopic disturbances and side-sway, and producing improved steering and driving conditions. Another object of my invention is to provide `a coil spring, or its equivalent, having one end mounted on a wheel supported member to which a spindle body is'pivotally attached, in a seat recessed therefor, the upper end of the said spring, or its equivalent, bearing upwardly in a seat recessed thereforfin the `lower side of an upper yarm lof a bifurcated' frameY supporting member, to ilexibwly sustain the weight of the vehicle, ancLto maintain stability of the vehicle by being positioned-adjacentthe wheel. l

Another important object of my invention is to provide a 'wheel supported member, to which a wheel assembly, not Vshown in the drawings, is pivotally attached, the said wheel supported member havinga seat for theA lower end of a coil spring, or its equivalent, lower fork arms horizontally apertured for ilexibly connecting the'said wheel supported member to a frame supporting member through means provided therefor'.

yAnother important `object of my invention is to provide a frame supporting member, having a substantially U-shaped end for the reception ofl a coil spring, or its equivalent, and a seat pro-v vided therefor and an upper and a lower fork arm horizontally apertured for flexibly connecting the said frame supporting member to a wheel to provide means for flexibly connecting a wheel supported member to a frame supporting member that will admit of alstraight line travelkof the said wheel supported member, in ,its road, or spring, action, substantially `perpendicular to the base of the vehicle to which it is attached, while maintaining the said wheel supported member in the said straight line of travel in its road,

' partly sectional, the sections being taken on the and two upper and two supported`v` member. through means provided or spring, action, the said means therefor to be hereinafter more fullydescribed. l

Otherobjects and advantages of my invention will be apparent during the course of the following detailed description.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and'in which like reference characters designate like parts 'throughout the same:

Figure 1 isa front elevation of an independently acting, pivotally mounted, straight line travel automotive front wheel suspension showing its'movable members in the center of their travel.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the structure shown in Figure 1, partly sectional, `,the sections being 15 taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 1,`the lower link assembly 8 and I0 not being shown, asrit is shown in Figure 3. i f

Figure 3 is a vbottom view of the structure shown in Figure 1, partly sectional, the sections being taken `on ther line `3--3 of Figure 1, the upper link assembly 'land 9 not being shown, as itis shown in Figure 2.` l

Figure I4 is similar `to Figure 1 except that it is line 4-4 of Figure 2, and parts thereof are shown in relatively diierent positions.

Figure 5 is a front elevation of a pivotally connected actuating mechanism for selectively producing straight line motion in the full length of amovable member, or for producing therein con- Vex, or concave, circular motion, showing the adjustment for a straight line motion.

Figure 6 is a plan view of the structure shown in Figure 5, partly sectional, the sections being .taken on the line 5 5, and also represents a bottom view of the structure shown in Figure 5, partly sectional, the sections being taken on the line 6-6. v f

Figure 'l is similar to Figure exceptthat it is shown adjusted to produce concave vcircular motion. i l

Figure 8 is similarto Figure 5 except that it is shown adjusted to produce a convexcircular motion.

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferredy embodiment of my invention, the numeral 6 designates a frame supporting. member, the said frame supporting y member being bifurcated at the end, having a substantiallyjU shaped `opening for thev receptionk of a spring and an upper and a lower fork arm each being horizontally apertured for the reception of the pivot pins Il and I8.

Link l is bifurcated to form two arms, the said arms being disposed about the upper fork arm 6,- each being horizontally apertured for the reception of the pivot pins I1, its .opposite end being apertured for the reception of the pivot pin I9.

Link 8 is bifurcated to form two arms, the said arms being disposed about the lower forkarm 6, each being horizontally apertured for the reception of the pivot pins I8, its opposite end being apertured for the reception of the pivot pin 20.

The two vertical links I3, positioned between the links 1 and 9 and 8 and I 8 respectively, are horizontally apertured at their ends for the reception of the pivot pins I9 and 20.

Link 9 is substantially U shaped having two arms, the said arms being vertically slotted atk their ends for the reception of the upper fork arms I2 and being horizontally apertured for the reception of the pivot pins 2I, its opposite end being disposed about the upper ends of the links I3 and of the link 1 and being apertured for the reception of the pivot pin I9.

Lever link I is bifurcated at one end to form two arms, the said arms being vertically slotted at their ends for the reception of the lower fork arms I2 and being horizontally apertured for the reception of the pivot pins 22, its central portion being apertured for the reception of the pivot pin 20 and disposed about lower ends of the links I3 and of the link 8, its opposite end being of a substantially triangular shape, having a vertically slotted end for the reception of the pin I4 and being horizontally apertured for the reception of the pivot pin 23. y

Sliding pin I4 has vertically plane surfaces at one end to nt into the slotted end of the lever link I0, the said end being horizontally apertured for the reception of the pivot pin 23 and the remainder thereof made cylindrical for slidably mounting in the bearing I5;

Bearing I5 is preferably mounted at the center of the frame supporting member 6, being rigidly secured on the under side thereof and horizontally apertured for the reception at each end thereof of a sliding pin I4, one end thereof being for the accommodation of an opposite installation, it being understood that this specification describes one wheel suspension only, there being suiiicient space between the said pin ends to prevent their contacting. When necessary, other suitable means may be provided for mounting the said bearing I5.

Wheel supported member I2, having two upper and two lower arms to t into the slottedfends of the links 9 and II) respectively, the said arms being horizontally apertured to receive the pivot pins 2I and 22 and a recessed seat for the lower end of the spring I6 to bear upon, is constructed with relatively more width and strength from the lower part of the spring seat upwardly and of relatively less width from the spring seat downwardly to provide great strength above as required and ample room for steering arms below.

While the steering knuckle is not a part of my invention and no claims are made therefor, there is shown in the drawings one type of a well known steering knuckle, inserted in a bifurcation between the upper and lower arms provided therefor, the said arms being apertured to receive a steering pin, which is pivotally inserted therein, the said steering pin passing through an aperture in a spindle body and being rigidly secured thereto by taper pins through the said spindle body bearing on the said steering pin.

It is understood, however, that other types of steering knuckles may be used and other means provided for attaching the same to the wheel supported member I2.

It is understood, that for non-steerable wheels the spindle body may be rigidly secured to the Wheel supported member I2, with any suitable means, or the steering knuckle may be eliminated and a stub axle, or spindle, be bolted, or otherwise rigidly attached to the wheel supported member I2, or constructed integrally therewith.

In assembling my invention, a convenient method is to progressively, in Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings, securely bolt the bearing I5 to the frame supporting member 6; attach the link 8 and the links I3 to the lever link I0 with the pin 20 and secure the said pin 20 rigidly to the lever link I0 with taper pins, or bolts, provided therefor; attach the sliding pin I4 to the lever link III with the pin 23 and secure the pin 23 rigidly to the lever link I0 with taper pins, or bolts, provided therefor; insert the pin I4 in the bearing I5, attach the link 8 to the frame supporting member 6 with the pin I8 and secure the pin I8 rigidly to the lever link I Il with taper pins, or bolts, provided therefor; in Figures 2 and lof the drawings, attach the link 1 to the frame supporting member 6 with the pin I1 and secure the pin I1 rigidly to the link 1 with taper pins, or bolts, provided therefor; attach the links I3 and the link 9 to the link 1 with the pin I9 andsecure the pin I9 rigidly to the link 9 with taper pins, or bolts, provided therefor; attach the wheel supported member I2 to the link 9 with the pins 2| and secure the pins 2'I rigidly to the link 9 with taper pins, or bolts, provided therefor; in Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings, attach the wheel supported member I2 to the leverlink- Inwith the pins 22 andv secure Athe pins 2 2 rigidly to the lever link I0 with taper pins, or bolts, provided therefor; finally, insert the spring 'IB between its lower seat in the wheel supported member I2 and its upper seat in the frame supporting member 6 provided therefor.

"To disassembie my invention reverse the above proceeding. 4

4As previously stated, thex steering knuckle is not a part oi my invention, but is of a well known type, the assembling of which is well understood.

In more fully describing the means for producing the said straight line wheel action substantially perpendicular to the base of the vehicle,-

In Figure 1, with all movable parts shown in an intermediate position, it will be seen that the center of the pivot pins'I8, 22, 2U and 23 lie in the same horizontal plane, which said plane I will take as a base, and that the pivot pins I8, 22, I1 and 2I lie in the same plane perpendicular to the said base. l

In Figure 4, it will be seen that as the pivot pin 22 moves upwardly with the wheel supported member I2, the lever link I0 being fulcrumed on the pin 23 in the seat I4, that the pivot pin 20, being centrally located between the pins 22 and 23, will, withits dependents, be forced upwardly from the base one half the distance and at one half the velocity of the pin 22. Link 8, being attached to the lever link I0 at the pivot pin 20 and having the same distance between its pivotal centers I8 and 20 as those of the lever link IIJ between 22 and 20 and between 20 and 23, will at any position form the same angle to the base, but in an opposite direction as that of the lever link III. Link 8 being pivotally attached at the pin I8 to a relatively xed member 6, and having the pin I8 asa center, the pivot pin 20,

at its opposite end will travel in a counterclockwise arc from the horizontal base.' Lever link I0, being pivotally attachedto the link 8 atthe pin 20. the pin 22 will travel-in a clockwise arc with the point 20 as a center, as the slotted pin I4 moves horizontally. Therefore, as the counterclockwise arc of the lever 8 at pin 20, with I8 as a center, equals thatl of the clockwise arc of the lever link I0 at 22, with 28 as a center, it will be seen that the pin 22 will at all points have its path in a straight line substantially perpendicular to the said horizontal base.

Or, with the centers vI8 and 20 and 22 and ,20 forming'two sides respectively, of what, for explanatory purposes, I will designate a variable angle having its vertex at 20, it will be seen that, as22 rmoves upwardly from I8 with the vertex 20 moving in unison therewith one half the distanceand at one halfthe velocity of 22, the `pin 22 will travel in a straight line perpendicular to the base.

It will be seen that as the pin 22 moves below ther pin I8 the action above described is repeated in an opposite` direction. It is therefore shown that the mechanism` consisting of the link 8, the lever link I0 and the pin I4, together with their connections as described, is capable independently of producing a straight line travel in the pin pin 22 perpendicular to the base I8 and 23. y The upper link mechanism 1 and 9 is presumed f to be the same as the lower linkr mechanism just describedphaving a bearing similar to I5 with any suitable mounting therefor, the upper and the lower link assemblies each functioning independently to produce a straight line travel substantially perpendicular to the said horizontalk base to maintain the said wheel supported member I2 in its proper relation to the frame supporting member 6.

In my present disclosure, however, for purposes of economy in spaceand parts, I have connected theupper andthe lower. link assemblies by the links I3 in order to use the lever link II) to actuate the upper links 'I and'9, as well as thelower link assembly 8 and I0 and tothereby eliminate the lever end of the link 9 together with its ac-` cessory parts. f Y

In the herein describedactuating mechanism for maintaining a reciprocally movable member in a straight path, if the pivotal connections on the upper and lower horizontally movable bearings I5 are moved inwardly, so that the distance between them is less than the distances between the upper and lower pivotal connections in the frame member and in the said reciprocally movable memben,v

the reciprocally movable member will thereby be caused to travel in a convexed circle and if the said pivotal connections on the upper and lower bearings I5 are moved in the opposite direction the said reciprocallyr movable member willA be caused to travel in a concaved circle.

In this specification one wheel suspension only is described, it being understood that its companion wheel suspension is similar, but constructed in the opposite direction, and one method is shown for connecting the said wheel suspension to its companion wheel suspension and to form a supporting member for an attachment vto a' vehicle frame, but as my invention is intended for use on a variety of'vehicles vand for other uses for which it is suitable, any other suitable means for attachment thereto may be employed.

I have shown the pivotal connections in my invention fitted with a commonly used type of pivotal pins and bushings, the said pivotal pins drilled partly in the said pivotal pins and partly in the members to which they are rigidly attached.

It is understood, however, that as my inventionv is intended for use on various kinds of vehicles,

wheel supported member, for the mounting there# on of a wheel assembly, having a projecting spring seat, the saidspring seat being recessed for the reception of the lower end of a coil spring, and

having two upper and two lower fork arms, the' said-(fork arms being curved inwardly to form parallel projections, the said projections being horizontally aperturedV for pivotal connections with a frame supporting member, having a substantially U shaped end for the reception of ak coil spring and for a projecting spring seat projecting thereinto, and having an upper and a lower fork arm, the said fork arms being horizontally apertured for pivotal connections, the

vunder side of the upper fork arm being recessed to form a seat vfor the upper end of a coil spring, the said frame supporting member extending in Wardly to connect with a like oppositel installation, its intermediate portion being for the mount ing thereon and attachment thereto of vehicle frame members and attachment for centrally, on its under side, of a bearing, the said bearinghaving a horizontally movable seat mounted therein; and a link mechanism, for producing straight line motion perpendicular to a horizontal plane in the base of the vehicle in the upper and lower ends of the wheel supported member, having two pairs of links acting in oppositedirections, one pair. of the said links counteracting the action of the other pair of links, one pair of the said Ilinks each having one end horizontally pivotally connected to a relatively fixed frame supporting member, the other pair of links each having one end horizontally pivotally connected to the wheel supported member, the opposite ends ofthe said two pairs of links respectively being horizontally pivotally connected, anda pair of vertical 'links to horizontally pivotally lconnect the connected ends of the upper links to the connected ends of the lower links, the lower link, having one end connected to the wheel supported member," hav ingr an extension at its opposite end to horizontally pivotally connect with saidhorizontally movable seat to provide a lever to actuate and produce the said opposed motion in the said two pairs of links.

2. II'he combination in a mechanism for pro ducing straight line, concave, or convex circular motion, of a relatively fixed frame, one end thereof having an upper and a lower fork arm, the said fork arms being horizontally apertured for pivotal connections, the said connections being in. the same vertical plane, the opposite end of the said frame having upper and lower slotted projections, the upper and lower slots therein forming circular arcs about the said upper and lower pivotal connections respectively; with a vertically reciprocating member having upper and lower horizontal v as well as other uses for which it is adaptable,

apertures for pivotal connections, the said connections being in the same vertical plane; and an upper link mechanism, to pivotally connect the upper end of the movable member to the upper arm of the xed member and to produce a straight line travel in the upper pivotal connection of the movable member, having two links acting in opposite directions, one of the said links counteracting the action of the other said link, one of the said links having one end horizontally pivotally connected to the relatively fixed member, the other link having one end horizontally pivotally connected .to the movable member, the opposite ends of the said links being horizontally pivotally connected, the link, having one end connected to the movable member, having an extension at its opposite end to horizontally pivotally connect with a horizontally movable seat and provide a lever to actuate, and produce the said opposed motion in, the said links, and a movable seat mounted in the upper slotted projections of the frame, to horizontally pivotally connect with and support the end of the actuating lever; and a lower link mechanism, like the said upper link mechanism, to similarly connect the lower end of the movable member to the lower arm of the xed member and to similarly actuate the same, the upper and lower movable seats being mounted in the upper and lower circular slots for selectively adjusting the angle of the said upper and lower straight lines of travel, with relation to each other, to produce in the movable member a straight line of travel through its entire length perpendicular to a horizontal plane, or to produce therein a concave or a convex circular motion.

3. The combination and arrangement of parts in a mechanism for producing straight line motion in a pivotal connection, of a relatively xed member, a link having one end pivotally connected to one end of the said relatively fixed member, its opposite end being pivotally connected intermediate of a lever-link, the said leverlink having one end pivotally connected to a movable seat, its opposite end having a pivotal connection to connect the said lever-link to a movable object, the distance between the intermediate pivotal connection and each of the two end pivotal connections in the said lever-link being equal `to the distance between the pivotal connections in the rst said link, the pivotal connections in the rst said link and the pivotal connections in the said lever-link and the said movable seat being in the same plane, when the said mechanism is in an intermediate position, the said movable seat having its movement in the said plane and the said pivotal connection in the said opposite end of the lever-link having its movement in a plane at a right angle to the plane of the said movable seat.

4. The combination and arrangement of parts in a mechanism for producing straight line, or curvilinear motion in a reciprocally movable member, of a relatively fixed member, a reciprocally movable member, a link mechanism for pivotally connecting one end of the said reciprocally movable member to one end of the said relatively link, the said lever-link having one end pivotally connected to one end of the said reciprocally movable member, its opposite end being pivotally connected to a movable seat, the said movable seat being mounted in a bearing, the said bearing being adjustably mounted in a slotted projection on one end of the said relatively fixed member, the said slotted projection forming a circular arc about the said pivotal connection in the said xed member, the distances between the intermediate pivotal connection and each of the end pivotal connections in the said lever-link being equal to the distance between the pivotal connections in the rst said link, and a link mechanism, like the first said link mechanism, to similarly actuate and pivotally connect the opposite end of the said reciprocally movable member to the opposite end of the said relatively xed member, the pivotal connections in the said relatively iixed member and the pivotal connections in the said reciprocally movable member being in the same plan z, the pivotal connections and the movable seat in the rst said link mechanism being in the same plane and at a right angle to the first said plane, and the pivotal connections and the movable seat in the last said link mechanism being in the same'plane and at a right angle to the rst said plane when the said mechanism is in an intermediate position, the movement of the rst and last said movable seats being in the second and last said planes respectively, the said bearings being intermediately, outwardly, or inwardly adjustable in the said slotted arcs to produce respectively the said straight line motion in the said reciprocally movable member, the rst and last said pivotal connections in the said reciprocally movable member being movable at right angles, respectively, to the planes of the first and last said movable seats.

5. In a motor vehicle, the combination with a vehicle frame, of steerable road wheels disposed at opposite sides of said frame, and means supporting said road wheels on said frame for independent rising and falling movement with respect thereto, said means comprising a pair of vertically spaced links having articulated connection with each of said wheels and with said frame for swinging movement in generally vertical planes, said links extending inwardly from the road wheel and being supported for swinging movement about substantially parallel axes, the connection of one link of each pair with the frame providing for lateral bodily displacement of the link, and means acting between the frame and each of said last named links for guiding the latter to effect lateral outward displacement thereof to an extent varying with and determined by the extent of swinging movement of the links from a mid position.

6. In a motor vehicle,l the combination with a vehicle frame, of a road wheel, a road wheel carrying member, and means supporting said road wheel on said frame for rising and falling movement with respect thereto, said means comprising a pair of vertically spaced links carried by said frame and pivotally connected with said wheel carrying member, and a mounting supporting one of said links on said frame for concurrent generally vertical swinging movement and bodily lateral displacement, said links extending inwardly from the road wheel and beingl supported for swinging movement about substantially parallel axes, and means guiding said last named link to effect lateral displacement thereof to an extent sufficient to prevent excessive tire scumng. 7. In a motor vehicle, the combination with a Vehicle frame, of a road wheel, a road wheel carrying member, and means supporting said road wheel on said frame for `rising and falling movement with respect thereto,` said'meansrcomkprising `alpair ofrvertically l"spaced vlinks having Iarticulated .connectionwith said wheelrcarrfy ing member andl fulcrumed `on 'said frame, said links extending-#inwardly fromftheroad lwheel'A and ybeing supportedff for swinging movement about substantiallyparallel axes, A'and means associatedfwith said frame and one of said links ,for., effecting voutward lateral displacement of the fulcrum ofthe latteras the wheel rises and' falls toan extent suflicient to prevent lexcessive scui-v ,l

ing 'of fthe-tire.

8;.In almotor .vehicle, the combinationwith a carrying-member; andy me'ans supporting saidj` roadwheel 'y on: said `frame `for rising and ffalling" bodily lateral displacement, said mounting irrivv cludingra memberlcarried by sa'id'frame for free `lastynamed member having :the: pivotal connecl 50, 4l`4on'thel'rame supporting member to flexibly displacement laterally '.thereoi`;"said member be- I ingvpivotallyiconnected withltheiinnr end of said link,.and amemberpivoted tosaid link andfout-rk wardly rthereof to said fra-inegi said vlink 'and Vlast namedfmember having the-pivotal `connections* thereforv disposed substantiallyl in a common,

` generally "horizontal 'plane'in -the-Inidf position 7 9.71mV a .motor vehicle, :the combination with arv vehicle frame, of -aliroadwheel,v al' road-wheel]f carrying memben Hand means supportingl said roadiwheelfon saidframe for' `rising'and falling movement 'with respect' thereto, said means `coin' f prisingxa Ipair 'of I,vertically spaced' links carried by` said frame and. `pivotally connectedwith' said whe'eli carryingV member, and (a *mounting supporting `oneof said links on said fr-ame forcon-'jfj current 'generally vertical ,swinging rl` r'movement and bodily lateral displace'n'lent',v said 'mounting )including a member carried bysaid framefor free displacementflaterally thereof; Saidmember Y beingpivotally connected with the innerV endl ofv j@ m zontalp'lane in thebasef the vehiclef'anda .v coilspringhav'ing its lower 'endmounted on the i projecting springseat and'its upper en dfloearing said link,` and-"a memberwpivot'edto said linkandA tions `therefor disposed substantially in a co'mn'ion,y genel'narll'yahorizontall plane in the 'mid position-'of said -link,v-thef said pivotal axes lbeingapproxif4v mately equallyfspaced-gas measured, laterallyf vlOQThe combin'ationina wheel suspension, of aV wheel supportedmember;` with a framefsup'- porting memberfhaving-anend shaped forthe reception, ofj'a coil springfand @for a'lower spring [seat ,projectingv Zthereinto fromsaid'wheel sup` l v -ported member', ethejsaid frame supporting mem-l .60

berhaving: an upper and a lower forkarm; the-- said fork arms being apertured for 'pivotal connections; the tundersideof the" upper. forkE arm" providin'gla seat `for theupper end Vof a l*coil spring, thefs'aid lower-fork arm being tapered toward fitsfend, to 'provide clearance for' a steer--` ingarm', a'ylink mechanismforpivotally 'con-f necting the said vwheel. supported member to the ibly sustainits loadnA :y v Y 11.*In the combination ina wheel suspension i link having one end 'horizontally,'pivotally con-" links 'bcing horizo'ntally'pivotallyfconnectefl,v oi'- A "ends'iovfllthe'lower links, Isaid horizontally ,rr'iovVv y able'seatgbeing'mounted on'fthe Yundersideoffth of its lower pivotal connection,y

' .r a `wheel supported" member having a" projectin .1,

'Sminjitjsioadyy t. u t,

13'. The" combination and ,"arrangementfof i l parts in anfactuating mechanism, of arelatively,A fixed member, a'vert'icallyA reciprocallymovable 1 member,fa clirik havingvoneA end, pivotally con-I ff fing theopposite endof said link intermediately "pivotally vconnected thereto, fsaidk lever lin li"havl.r y.

Vlrpivotal connections of the first mentionedflin `the said pivotal'connections in the y{"uiedmeiri`--4 f y berand in the kverticallyreciprocally movable n.

having a wheel supported memberpaframe sup.`

, porting member, anda spring' mounted on the member that willmaintain the saidw'heeljsupK-fv ported member in a straight line of travel ln itsl road action, substantially'perpendicular'toa hor-.v

izontalA yplane inr the base of the lvehiclejtfo whichl 10 it isattachedggthe saidlmeans'consisting'offtwd l upper links,one`of which is* horizontallypivotallyf connected ati-one end to thefupper end r'olljthe said frame supporting" member, the otherfsaid Y 115 nected tothe upper end of the said'.y Wheel sup 1, ported member,` the oppositeends'offthe said" two lower links; oneof which is horizontally piv otally lconnectedat one 'end tolthelowerend of i thegsaid frame supporting memben the'fother said lowerlink'having one end horizontally fpviv 1 otallyfconnected to the'flow'erv'fendof ythe"- saidjf A`wheel supported member, the-opposite ends of@r l connected, that'one of,v .said lower links lwhich` the "said lower' linksl being horizontally pivotally has oney end pivotally connected to- 'the lower;`

' end ofthe lsaid wheel Supported member,being,y t

extended' `at its opposite, end vto formaa jlever,` a. l

`30 j pivjdteatQ-actuate the said upper and lower iiilksf* and 'a" pair of vertical llinks having `their upper v and'lower ends pivotally connectingbthe con horizontally movable'seat to which said lever is;

nected endsjof the. upper linkswith' the connected framersupplorting memberiin the `,horizoAntal plan '1,24.' 'I"he combination in a Wheels`uspension,l

spring Vseat with a frame supportingumember;

means -ior horizontally pivotally'connecti'ng the wheelsupportedmember tojthe frame support# z r"jing"member Ithat will maintain ,the [upper and ,f lower fends of i Athe, wheelvsupported memberfi' a straight une 'travelsperpen(maar` to non: t

nected to -the saidijxed member,` a lever link hay;

l the lever` link is pivotally connected, the-distances 4 between `the intermediate pivotalconnection and t thetwo:endpivotalconnections of said lever link eaclrbeing equal tothe distance between the membenbeing in the same vertical plane, said horizontally movable seat being'mountedorithe" said fixed member opposite to, and in the horil zontalplane of, the pivotal: connection, therein,

f the said t actuating mechanism'maintaining the"k f reciprocallymovable member in its pivotal con-' nection, in a straight line of travel perpendicular to a. horizontal plane.

14. The combinationV in an actuating mechanism for producing straight line motion perpendicular to a'horizontal plane in the full length of a movable member and for pivotally connectingV the same kto a `relatively fixed member, of a lower. link mechanism havinga link having one end horizontally pivotally connected to the lower end of the said fixed member, a lever link to the intermediatefportion of which the oppositeend of said link is pivotally connectedsaid lever link having one end horizontally pivotally connected to the lower end of the said movable member, a horizontally movable seat to which the other yendj of said lever link is pivotally connected, the distances between the intermediate pivotal connection and the two end pivotal connections of said lever link each being equal` to the distance between the pivotal connections of the first-mentioned link, thefsaid pivotal connectionsA in the fixed member and in the movable member being in the vsame vertical plane, the said horizontally movable seat being mounted on the said iixed member opposite to, and inthe horizontal plane of, the pivotal connection therein; with an upper link mechanism having a link having one end horizontally pivotally connected to the upper end of theiixed member and a link having one end horizontally pivotally connected to the upper end of the movable member, the opposite ends of the said links beinghorizontally pivotally connected, vthe said pivotal connections in the fixed member and in the movable member being in the` same vertical plane and in the same vertical plane of similar connections in' the lower link mechanism,

the said linkshaving the same pivotal lengths as the lower link and the link end of the lever'link;

and a pair' of verticallinks to vhorizontally-pivpivotal connection of the up-` pivotal connection of thelower otally connect the per'vlinks to the links.

1'5."I'he combination and arrangement of parts in an actuating mechanism, of a relatively iixed member, a member r'eciprocally movablewith relation tothe said fixed member, and 'an upper and lower like link mechanism for pivotally connecting the upper and lower ends of the said'fixed member with the upper'and lower ends respectively of the reciprocally movable member that will maintain the said reciprocally movable mem- ',ber in its upper and lower ends, in a straight line of travel perpendicular to a horizontal plane,

Y .fes

oally movable member, a horizontally movable seat to which the opposite end of said lever link is pivotally connected, the distances between the intermediate pivotal connection and the two end pivotal connections thereof each being equal to the distance between the pivotal connections of the mst-mentioned link, `the said horizontally movable seat being mounted on the said fixed Y member opposite to, and in the horizontal plane of, the pivotal connection therein. Y v 16..A vehicle wheel suspension device comprising two sets of links, an articulated connection joining one end'l of at least-one link of each set, means providing an articulated connection of the .other end of-one -of said links with' a relatively tively fixed-memben-means providing an articulated connection in the other end ,of the vother oneof said links with a relatively movable member, means for guiding the movementsof the sets of links,v and a spring mounted at its ends upon the respectiverelatively fixed and movable members to resist turning of the links at their articulated connections when the relatively movable member shifts in respect to the relatively fixed member.

18. A vehicle'A wheel suspension device comprising pairs `of links disposed in plural sets, a common pivot for one end of each Ipair of linksj'in the respective sets, means providing an articulated connection between thecommon pivots, ay pivotal connection between theother end of each of one link of each pair with a relatively fixed member,

a pivotal connection between the otherv endof each of the remaining link of each pair with a relatively movable member, and lmeans for guidingthe movements Vof the sets of paired links comprising al lever extension vfrom one of the linkspivotally connected withthe relativelymov- ACn able' member, and means coupling the end of the o lever extension with the relatively fixed member.

19. The combination intan actuating mechanism, of arelatively fixed member, ,ad ovable dvable member, and ymeans supporting ,said rn I member on saidrelatively fixedfmemberf'for guiding said movable member, in an articulated connection, in a substantiallystraight line path with relation thereto, the said means Acomprising a `link havingarticulated connection at one end with said relatively iixed member, a leverlink having articulated connection intermediate thereof with the opposite end of theilrst said link and-one end of said lever link having articulated connection with the said movable Vmembenits opposite end forming a lever to guide the move'- ments of the said links atsubstantiallyv like l angles, but in opposite directions, from a mid position, the said articulated connections forming substantially parallel axesV to permit swinging movement of the said links in generally-parallel planes, the spacingV of the said connections, in the link and in the lever link being equal, the said connections being substantially in the same plane when in a mid position, the path of the said movable member, in its said connection, and the said connectionin the fixed member being in a'plane at right angles to the first said plane, and means connecting the end of said lever with said fixed member for permittingy swinging movement in said lever, and substantially straight line movement in said connection, at a right langle to the path of the movablemember.

20. Thecombination in an actuating mechanism, of a relatively iixed member; a movable member; and means supporting Ysaid movable member on saidfixed member, the said means comprising a plurality of generally parallel links,

each having `articulated `co ri'neetiomfiat-'fgfiine Yend; v with l1t l ie` .said fixed member, the opposite rends` ti ulated gconnection"fwithfiag, 'cjjornmon` Cil 1 in all said links4 being ,equal, the` said',.aiticulatedr5 substantiallyparallelSaxe4 to permitswingingmovement ot,saigifflinksv inw generally parallelplanes thesaid connections, in thejrelatively, xed member, the firstfandy second the connections `in member on said xed member, the 'saidmeans withr the saidcon'imonc connector'jand, extending,

, from a midposition,

each hav s .articulated `conn inthe general iireenqn,

ends` having v' movable member, ltl'ieis'pacing of saidconnections connections forming thelmo'vable memberall being inparallelfplanes; and ,means lfor fguiding the movements of the firsts-aid links and the lastsaid links at vlike angles, but in opposite directions, y the movementof the rst said links offsetting the movement of the last said links for guiding theY movement of the said movable member in a straightline path.

21. Thecombination in an actuating mechanism, of a relatively fixedy member; `a movable vn'ector and extending, in its, mid position, in the member; :and means supporting `said movable comprising a plurality of generally parallel links, each having articulated connection at oneend `with thesaid `xedmember, the opposite ends having articulated connectionwith a common" connector, a `plurality of generally parallellinks, each having articulated connectionat one end with the saidcommon connector and extending, in their mid'positions,` in the general direction of, and parallel to,'the rst saidlinks, the opposite ends having articulated connection with the said movable member, the spacing of said connections in all said links being equal, fthe said articulated l connections forming substantially parallel axes to permit swinging movement'V of said links in generally `parallel planes, the vsaid connections, inthe `relatively iixed member, the first and second said connections in the common connector and the connections in the' movable member Vall being in parallel planes, means for guiding themovements of the rst said Vlinks `andthe last said links at like angles, but in opposite directions, from a mid yposit-ion, the movement of the first said links ofisetting the movement'of the last said links for `guiding the movement of the said movable member in a straight line path, the said meanscom- 'prising the extension from its connector connection of at leastl one of the said links which has connection with the movable member to form a` lever for'guiding the said links as described, and means connecting said lever with said xed member to permit swinging movement :therein `and straight line movement in said connectionk 'at right angles-to the path ofthe said movable member. i i

22. The 'combination in anfactuating mechanism, of al relatively. fixedl memberya relatively movable member; and means supporting said i movable member'on said fixed member, the said v means comprising apairj of vgenerally parallel f, links, each having pivotal connection atonepend with the said relatively fixed member` and their opposite ends havingpivotal connection with al common connector, and atleast one link having pivotal connection vinfits intermediate -portion with the said common connector and'extending,

in its mid position, in the same general direction of, and parallel to, the rst said links and having path v01min@ Saidinnova'bie member. i i

tion. v

2i. The combination and arrangementof parts in a mechanism for guiding a movable object, in"

pivotal connection :with/the said-"movable meme` ng!4 *substantially toyguicle` the rst land l tially likezanglcs,

a midfp'ositiomfor g uiding the said movable memmitting swinging-movement in said linkligindv movement f inf the said. c or'inecti'o'n,A jin a substanl' tially .straightftflinepath` at `fright angles fito thev 23. The combination infV an.. actuatingf'mechanism, of 'a relatively iixed member; a relatively movablemember; `and means supporting said movable member on said fixed member, the said `means comprising ra pair ofgenerally parallel,A

links, each having pivotal connection at one end with the saidrelatively xed' member and their f opposite endsv having pivotal connection with a common connector, and at least one link having pivotal connection with the saidcommon consame general direction of, and parallel to, the first said links, the first and last said links having even pivotal lengths,r the said pivotal connec-,v

r*tions forming'substantially parallel axes f orper-` mitting swinging movement of the` saidA links in i generally parallel planes; and means for guiding the movements of the first and last said links at substantially like angles to, but in opposite directions from, a mid position, the swinging movements of the first said links offsetting that of the Y lastsaid link for guiding the said movable member in a straight line pathin its pivotal 'connec- `an articulated connection, ina straight line path,

of a relatively fixed member, a link having articui vlated connection at one end to said relatively `fixed member, a lever link having articulated conv nection intermediate thereofwith the opposite end of the rstsaid link, one endl of said lever 4 link having articulated connection with said movable object, the oppositefend of the lever link` forming a leveryand means ,connecting the oppo- Y site end of the said lever'link to said'relatively xed memberV for permitting swinging `movement therein and substantially straight linemovement in said connection at a right angleto the path of the connection in the said movable object, the I said articulated connections forming substanf tiallylparallel axes for permitting swinging move'- ment at substantially like angles` to; but in oppor site directions from, a mid position in the said lever and lever link, the movement of each link offsetting the ,movement of the other link for guiding the said movable object, in the said artic- A ulated connection, in the said straight lineipath. 25. In an actuating mechanism for producing substantially straight line movement in a movable member, the combination `of Va'relatively xed member;` ar relatively movable member; and

means. 'supportingv said movable member on said xed member for guidingsaid movable member in a substantially straight line path Withrelation thereto, the said means comprising a pail" of links having articulated connection at one end and extending in theY same general direction therefrom, andbeing substantially parallelwhen in a mid position, the opposite ends of the said links having articulated connections respectively with the said xed member and thesaid movable member; and means `for guiding the said links at substantially like angles to, but in opposite directions from a mid position, the said means comprising a link having articulated connection with said xed member Vand extending in the same general direction of,; and being substantially parallel to,the firstfsaid links when in amid f position, and means providing articulated connection between the'rst'and last said links,y the said articulated connections forming substantially parallel axes to permit swinging movement in the said links in generally parallel planes.

26. The combination in an actuating `mechanism for providing movement in a member selectively in a straight line, or concave, `or convex arcuate path, of'a relatively xed member; a relatively movable member, means' connecting one end of said movable member with said xed member for providing independent movement therein in a straight line path; means similarly connecting the opposite end of said movable member to said xed member for providing independent movement therein inl a straight line path, the said means each comprising articulated connections between the said xed member and the said movable member; and means for selectively adjusting the two said means 'with relation to each other for guiding'the movement of the said movable member in the said cave, or convex arcuate path. l

` vJAMESJUDSON CHAPMAN.

straight line, con- 

